Juneteenth – celebrating the end of slavery

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (WOOD) Today is June 19th, but it’s more than that. It is a date that is celebrated as the day when enslavement ended in America back in 1865 and is also known as Juneteenth. Rumors of freedom were widespread prior to this date, however, the actual emancipation did not come until Gen. Gordon Granger came to Galveston, Texas and issued order #3. Almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation.

Theenda Yarbrough and Kim Harris from the African American Awareness and Development Organization (AAADO) tell us about exciting events that are happening along the Lakeshore the next few days. The AAADO is honored to invite everyone to their 14th annual Juneteenth celebration June 19, 20, and 21 in Holland, Mich. The celebration’s theme this year is: “community capacity building from the black perspective.”

The events in the park will feature speakers, health fair, food vendors, children events, art, jazz, R&B, gospel, hip hop and more. There will also be a special performance from Grammy award winning, Ms. Chandra Currelley-Young.

The celebrations will be held at the following locations on the following dates: